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Itinerary for Mar 23 — Mar 28, 2014

Description: Program begins with registration 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please do not plan to arrive before 2:00 PM or later than 6:00 PM. (Access to sleeping rooms may not be available until 4:00 PM if we've just had a group depart.) You are asked to check out of your sleeping rooms by 9:00 a.m. on Friday; however class is offered in the morning, and your program ends after lunch.

Room amenities: All rooms have private baths, are climate-controlled and have hair dryers. Please bring your own shampoo and conditioner.

Facility amenities: In keeping with our tranquil retreat setting, you are not disturbed by the distraction of televisions or telephones in sleeping rooms. Satellite TV is available in the main lodge, as well as a recreation room with ping pong/game tables. Wireless internet is available in Lyles Hall and on Lyles Hall deck. (Bring your own laptop.) Walking/hiking trails on-site and nearby. The towns of Oakhurst, Bass Lake, North Fork and Mariposa feature a number of fine arts galleries and museums. Bass Lake offers swimming/boating opportunities 5 miles from ECCO.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before:Unfortunately as a conference center we are unable to offer early arrivals or extended stayovers beyond the scope of our published program times due to other groups having our facility booked.

Arrive To: We're delighted you've decided to join us. Please plan to arrive between 3 to 5 p.m. (Not earlier than 2 p.m., please, nor later than 6 p.m.--our staff is available to assist you during those hours only.)

Afternoon: Make your way to Lyles Dining Hall at 5 p.m. for a get-acquainted social hour and brief orientation. We'll get to know each other, and our staff will let you know where everything is, what our meal procedures are, as well as emergency contact information and the location of the message board. We'll ask for questions and make sure you get them answered.

Dinner: Dinner in Lyles Hall at 6:00 p.m. Dinner features a delicious main entrée of beef, chicken, fish or pasta, along with potatoes or rice, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and dessert. Please note that only one entree selection is served per meal.
Dinner is served until 6:20 p.m., and we regret we're not able to save plates for late arrivals.

Evening: After dinner, we will have the remainder of our orientation session followed by introductions and a short award-winning video, "The Spirit of Yosemite." The balance of the evening is left free for you to relax after your day's journey. Cards, games & puzzles are available for your enjoyment.

Description: Program begins with registration 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please do not plan to arrive before 2:00 PM or later than 6:00 PM. (Access to sleeping rooms may not be available until 4:00 PM if we've just had a group depart.) You are asked to check out of your sleeping rooms by 9:00 a.m. on Friday; however class is offered in the morning, and your program ends after lunch.

Room amenities: All rooms have private baths, are climate-controlled and have hair dryers. Please bring your own shampoo and conditioner.

Facility amenities: In keeping with our tranquil retreat setting, you are not disturbed by the distraction of televisions or telephones in sleeping rooms. Satellite TV is available in the main lodge, as well as a recreation room with ping pong/game tables. Wireless internet is available in Lyles Hall and on Lyles Hall deck. (Bring your own laptop.) Walking/hiking trails on-site and nearby. The towns of Oakhurst, Bass Lake, North Fork and Mariposa feature a number of fine arts galleries and museums. Bass Lake offers swimming/boating opportunities 5 miles from ECCO.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before:Unfortunately as a conference center we are unable to offer early arrivals or extended stayovers beyond the scope of our published program times due to other groups having our facility booked.

Class - " Rocky Start - A Bit about Yosemite/Sierra Nevada Geology, "Floral Life Zones of the Sierra Nevada" and "Yosemite Artists and Their Influence"

Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. Breakfast in Lyles Dining Hall. An ECCO breakfast buffet may include French toast, waffles or pancakes accompanied by sausage or bacon. Standard items include eggs, hot/cold cereals, fruits, toast or muffins and yogurt.

Morning: 9:00 a.m. - Class - "A Rocky Start - A Bit about Yosemite/Sierra Nevada Geology." Please note that this and subsequent classes may involve walking on ECCO grounds to enhance and illustrate your natural history studies. If mobility is an issue, please contact coordinator to discuss. For those who prefer not to walk, you'll have an opportunity to look over our selection of reference materials.

Lunch: 12 noon - Lunch in Lyles Hall. - Lunch may include a sandwich bar or a hot entrée. These may be offered with a homemade soup of the day and salad bar, along with a dessert.

Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. - Class - "Floral Life Zones of the Sierra Nevada." After a break, class continues with "Yosemite Artists and Their Influence"--a look at the art of Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Moran and others and their place in Yosemite's history.

Afternoon: 3:30 p.m. Free time to relax and enjoy our serene grounds, or take a bit of time to explore some of our surrounding countryside. Your group leader will be happy to give you suggestions about (and directions to) the attractions available.

Dinner: 6:00 p.m. Dinner in Lyles Hall. Dinner features a delicious main entrée of beef, chicken, fish or pasta, along with potatoes or rice, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and dessert.

Evening: Evening program - Each evening's program may consist of a video or a live birds of prey display and discussion or living history presentation. Each program is approximately 45 minutes long.

Description: Program begins with registration 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please do not plan to arrive before 2:00 PM or later than 6:00 PM. (Access to sleeping rooms may not be available until 4:00 PM if we've just had a group depart.) You are asked to check out of your sleeping rooms by 9:00 a.m. on Friday; however class is offered in the morning, and your program ends after lunch.

Room amenities: All rooms have private baths, are climate-controlled and have hair dryers. Please bring your own shampoo and conditioner.

Facility amenities: In keeping with our tranquil retreat setting, you are not disturbed by the distraction of televisions or telephones in sleeping rooms. Satellite TV is available in the main lodge, as well as a recreation room with ping pong/game tables. Wireless internet is available in Lyles Hall and on Lyles Hall deck. (Bring your own laptop.) Walking/hiking trails on-site and nearby. The towns of Oakhurst, Bass Lake, North Fork and Mariposa feature a number of fine arts galleries and museums. Bass Lake offers swimming/boating opportunities 5 miles from ECCO.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before:Unfortunately as a conference center we are unable to offer early arrivals or extended stayovers beyond the scope of our published program times due to other groups having our facility booked.

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. - Breakfast in Lyles Dining Hall, to enable us to get an early start on our field trip to Yosemite Valley

Morning: 7:45 a.m. Board bus for Yosemite Valley. Bus departs at 8:00 a.m. or as soon as everyone is aboard. Your instructor/field trip guide continues the natural history lessons as you travel with examples in the field, as you travel from ECCO's oak woodlands terrain through the conifer forest, dropping down into the glacially-carved valley of Yosemite.
The drive from ECCO is approx. 1-1/2 hours over a winding road. Motion sickness medication may be helpful so you can fully enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the Queen of National Parks.
Even if you've been to Yosemite before, you'll see the park's glory with new eyes--enlightened by the passion and knowledge of our superb instructors.
Stops will be made at Tunnel View (that famous first glimpse of Half Dome), Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Bridge and Yosemite Lodge.
Note that this is not an active outdoor program; however this and the field trip on Day 5 may include walks of varying lengths to enhance and illustrate the natural history subjects being taught.

Lunch: 12:00 noon Enjoy a sack lunch in Yosemite Valley.

Afternoon: After lunch your field trip guide will lead you on a tour of the magnificent Ahwahnee Hotel, where you'll marvel at the architecture, the basketry displays and the history inherent within its walls.
If you'd prefer to explore other areas (such as the Ansel Adams Gallery, Indian Village & Museum, Visitor's Center, Yosemite Falls, etc., your group leader will assist you in planning your afternoon.
Arrive at the appointed meeting place at the time designated by your group leader to board the bus for return to ECCO. Stops will be made along the way at Gates of the Valley and Tunnel View. You will arrive back at ECCO between 5 and 5:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m. Bus departs Yosemite Valley for return to ECCO. You will arrive at ECCO at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Description: Program begins with registration 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please do not plan to arrive before 2:00 PM or later than 6:00 PM. (Access to sleeping rooms may not be available until 4:00 PM if we've just had a group depart.) You are asked to check out of your sleeping rooms by 9:00 a.m. on Friday; however class is offered in the morning, and your program ends after lunch.

Room amenities: All rooms have private baths, are climate-controlled and have hair dryers. Please bring your own shampoo and conditioner.

Facility amenities: In keeping with our tranquil retreat setting, you are not disturbed by the distraction of televisions or telephones in sleeping rooms. Satellite TV is available in the main lodge, as well as a recreation room with ping pong/game tables. Wireless internet is available in Lyles Hall and on Lyles Hall deck. (Bring your own laptop.) Walking/hiking trails on-site and nearby. The towns of Oakhurst, Bass Lake, North Fork and Mariposa feature a number of fine arts galleries and museums. Bass Lake offers swimming/boating opportunities 5 miles from ECCO.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before:Unfortunately as a conference center we are unable to offer early arrivals or extended stayovers beyond the scope of our published program times due to other groups having our facility booked.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Four: Wednesday, March 26 - Class and Free Time

Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. Breakfast in Lyles Dining Hall

Morning: 9:00 a.m. Class "Fur & Feathers: Animal Life of the Sierra" Get acqainted with the wildlife that populates Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada, some of whom you're likelyto spot during your stay at ECCO and on your field trips. Mule deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, black bear, an assortment of birds and waterfowl, coyotes, bobcats and skunks are some of the creatures resident in our area. Of course we can't guarantee what you'll see--but you will learn all about them.

Lunch: 12 noon Lunch in Lyles Dining Hall

Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. Class.
2:30 p.m. Free time to relax and enjoy our tranquil grounds or continue your exploration of local features

Description: Program begins with registration 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please do not plan to arrive before 2:00 PM or later than 6:00 PM. (Access to sleeping rooms may not be available until 4:00 PM if we've just had a group depart.) You are asked to check out of your sleeping rooms by 9:00 a.m. on Friday; however class is offered in the morning, and your program ends after lunch.

Room amenities: All rooms have private baths, are climate-controlled and have hair dryers. Please bring your own shampoo and conditioner.

Facility amenities: In keeping with our tranquil retreat setting, you are not disturbed by the distraction of televisions or telephones in sleeping rooms. Satellite TV is available in the main lodge, as well as a recreation room with ping pong/game tables. Wireless internet is available in Lyles Hall and on Lyles Hall deck. (Bring your own laptop.) Walking/hiking trails on-site and nearby. The towns of Oakhurst, Bass Lake, North Fork and Mariposa feature a number of fine arts galleries and museums. Bass Lake offers swimming/boating opportunities 5 miles from ECCO.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Additional nights before:Unfortunately as a conference center we are unable to offer early arrivals or extended stayovers beyond the scope of our published program times due to other groups having our facility booked.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day Five: Thursday, March 27 - Yosemite National Park

Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. Breakfast in Lyles Dining Hall

Morning: 8:45 a.m. Board bus for Yosemite National Park. Bus departs by 9:00 a.m. or as soon as everyone is on board. Your destination for this field trip will be determined based on weather, travel conditions, available attractions, and the size of your group. Some possibilities: a visit to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Wawona/Pioneer History Center, Glacier Point or another area of Yosemite Valley that you didn't visit on your earlier field trip, etc. The exact destination will be announced prior to the field trip.

Morning: 9:00 a.m. Class - Discuss present-day national park issues. Our national parks are ever-evolving entities; changing to meet human and ecological needs. Discover what the issues are, how the park service responds to them and learn about plans for the future.

Free Time Opportunities

Mariposa History CenterThis is a marvelous exploration of central California's early years.For additional information, visit: mariposamuseum.com/

California State Mining & Mineral MuseumOne of the finest gem and mineral museums in the country.For additional information, visit: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=588

Glacier PointGlacier Point is a view of Yosemite not to be missed, and, except on rare occasions, we can't take you there. (Large buses are not permitted.) The drive is one and a half hours each way but well worth the effort.For additional information, visit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacier_Point

Mariposa GroveMariposa Grove is a sequoia grove located near Wawona, California in the southernmost part of Yosemite National Park. It is the largest grove of Giant Sequoias in the park, with several hundred mature examples of the tree. Two of its trees are among the Twenty Five largest Giant Sequoias in the world.For additional information, visit: www.yosemite.ca.us/mariposa_grove_of_giant_sequoias/

Nelder GroveWe find Nelder Grove the most peaceful and soothing of the Yosemite-area giant sequoia groves. It's in a narrow draw with a brook flowing through the center of it, and besides the giant sequoias, you'll find lots of other big evergreens, especially cedars, plus several dogwoods.For additional information, visit: www.yosemitehikes.com/not-yosemite/nelder-grove/nelder-grove.htm

Sierra Mono Indian MuseumThe North Fork Mono Families first incorporated in 1966 to form the Sierra Mono Museum for the purpose of preserving Tribal history. The museum offers both static and living history experience. The doors have been open to the public since 1971.
Permanent collections include a wide variety of Native American baskets and cultural artifacts. Also on display is the Tettleton Wildlife Diorama Collection consisting of over 100 freestanding taxidermy animals of North America and Asia. Other collections include historical photographs, cultural items, beadwork and weapons.
Our gift shop is stocked with locally made authentic Indian Crafts, books and gifts.
Every Thursday, Elders gather to weave, bead and dine on potluck lunch. During the fall they can be found cracking acorn for holiday events or cleaning Sourberry and Redbud sticks for weaving supplies.
Guided tours offer a walk through the collections, stories, songs, and nature walk with signage explaining usage of indigenous plants.
Classes in language and Basketry are held throughout the year.
Visiting the museum offers a glimpse at Mono Indian lifestyles of yesterday and today.For additional information, visit: www.sierramonomuseum.org/

Golfing1) River Creek Golf Course - www.rivercreekgolfcourse.com/ - 9-hole course in Ahwahnee, 5 miles from ECCO
2) Sierra Meadows Country Club - www.sierrameadows.com/ - 18-hole course in Ahwahnee, 5 miles from ECCO
3) Wawona Golf Course - www.yosemitepark.com/activities_warmweatheractivities_golfing.aspx - 20 miles from ECCO, within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park
If you are interested in golf, please consider our new program, "Fore! Golf Yosemite & Two Great Courses in the Beautiful Sierra Nevada" - program number 17247-053109, May 31 through June 5, 2009.

Oakhurst, CA

Bass LakeFish or swim in Bass Lake (a 15-minute drive)

California Mining & Mineral MuseumIn Mariposa, about 30 minutes from Oakhurst. One of the finest gem and mineral museums in the country.For additional information, visit: www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=588

Glacier PointGlacier Point is a view of Yosemite not to be missed, and, except on rare occasions, we can't take you there. (Large buses are not permitted.) The drive is one and a half hours each way but well worth the effort.For additional information, visit: www.yosemitefun.com/glacier_point.htm

GolfGolf in Oakhurst (15 minutes) - River Creek Golf Course - www.rivercreekgolfcourse.com/
Sierra Meadows Country Club - www.sierrameadows.com/
Wawona Golf Course (inside Yosemite National Park) - www.yosemitepark.com/activities_warmweatheractivities_golfing.aspx
Note: If you are interested in golfing in our area, check out the new golf Road Scholar ECCO will be offering May 31-June 5, 2009 - Program No. 17247-053109.
For additional information, visit: See above

Hiking OpportunitiesThe Sierra Nevada foothills and the southern area of Yosemite National Park abound with hiking opportunities, on trails of varying lengths and difficulty:
Way of the Mono - at Bass Lake - a 1 mile self-interpretive loop
Nelder Grove: Shadow of the Giants Trail - 1 mile self-interpretive loop open late spring through fall; also in Nelder Grove: the trail to the Bull Buck tree. This magnificient specimen of a Giant Sequoia tree reaches a height of 246 feet (75 m) and has a ground-level circumference of 100 feet (30 m)

Mariposa History CenterIn Mariposa, 30 minutes from Oakhurst. This is a marvelous exploration of central California's early years.For additional information, visit: mariposamuseum.com/

Sierra Mono MuseumIn North Fork, 30 minutes from Oakhurst. This Indian-owned and operated museum features one of the finest collections of Indian basketry around.For additional information, visit: www.sierramonomuseum.org/

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine RailroadAn exciting 4-mile railroad excursion at Yosemite Park's south gate on highway 41. Ride into history where powerful locomotives once hauled massive log trains through the Sierra mountains. Where mighty lumberjacks felled the timber and flumes carried lumber to the distant valley below. The Sierra National Forest's majestic woods provide the backdrop for the narrow gauge journey back in time. The Jenny Cars may operate at times when the Narrow Gauge is not available.
For additional information, visit: www.ymsprr.com/

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!